Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has greeted the countrymen on Wednesday (April 10)  on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. PM said in a video message, "Dear Countrymen, Assalamualaikum, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr has come within us again after a month of fasting. Eid means joy. Let us share the joy of Eid with relatives, neighbors and all."  "May the Eid-ul-Fitr bring boundless joy, happiness and peace in our lives. May you all be well, healthy and safe. Eid Mubarak," she added. Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Thursday (April 11) as the moon of Shawwal of 1445 Hijri was not sighted in the sky of the country on Tuesday evening.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "The Eid teaches peace, harmony and brotherhood. Forgetting hatred and violence, people are bound by the bonds of equality, friendship and harmony.  Eid brings joy to everyone's life irrespective of rich and poor. Happy Eid to all of us." On Friday, April 21, in a message, the Prime Minister wished all the Muslims of the country and the world on the holy Eid-ul-Fitr and urged to establish the spirit of Islam, the religion of peace, at all levels of individual, social and national life by avoiding all kinds of injustice, lawlessness, violence and superstition. She said, "Let self-purification, restraint, harmony of Muslims prevail in individual, family, society and state life. May the life of every person be filled with happiness and endless joy of Eid. May all the people around the world be happy, well-being and future prosperity on this day.

The moon of the holy month of Shawwal has been seen in the sky of Bangladesh. Therefore, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow, Saturday (April 22). On Friday evening, April 21, the National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed the matter. It has been informed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, this time the main congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr will start at 8:30 am in the morning at the National Eidgah in the High Court premises of the capital.  However, in case of inclement weather, the main Eid congregation will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9 am in the morning on Saturday, April 22. According to a notification of the Islamic Foundation, if the weather is unfavorable, the main congregation of Eid will be changed from the National Eidgah and will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. In separate messages, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wished the countrymen on the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

The moon of the month of Shawwal has been sighted in Saudi Arabia.  On Friday, April 21, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, April 20, Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the matter. Eid Al-Fitr celebrations follow the end of Ramadan which lasts 29 or 30 days based on when the crescent moon is sighted.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted all the Freedom Fighters (FFs) of the country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Muslims. Like the previous occasions, the Prime Minister sent flowers, fruits and sweetmeats to the war-wounded FFs and members of the martyred families at Martyred and War-wounded Freedom Fighters’ Rehabilitation Centre (Muktijoddha Tower-1) on Gaznavi Road in the capital’s Mohammadpur as a mark of her good wishes for them. On behalf of the Prime Minister, her Assistant Private Secretary-2 Gazi Hafizur Rahman Liku, Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher and Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwer-e-Alom Sarker handed over these items to them in the morning. The FFs and members of the martyred families expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for remembering them on every national day and festivals like Independence Day, Victory Day, Eid and Pahela Baishakh. They vowed to resist any act of terror in the name of religion and anti-state activities on the soil of independent Bangladesh at any cost, and also urged the successors of the FFs and future generation for taking lead to this end. They also wished the Prime Minister good health and a long life, and highly appreciated her farsighted leadership. Source: BSS AH

The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of Muslims, is being celebrated today in a somber mood amid coronavirus pandemic across the country. As the Shawwal moon was not sighted in Bangladesh on Wednesday evening, the Eid festival is being celebrated on Friday. The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee with state minister for Religious Affairs Faridul Haque Khan in the chair on Wednesday evening after reviewing the information of Shawwal moon sighting. President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the nation in separate messages on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Besides, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation at 7:15pm on Thursday. The festival is celebrated in line with the government’s instructions including maintaining physical distancing, avoiding mass gathering and abiding by the health rules as the country, like other world states, is at risk of the fatal COVID-19 outbreak. The Eid is celebrated with due solemnity, fervor and gaiety as the holy Ramadan, the month of fasting and abstinence, came to an end and the people remained themselves confined in houses after offering Eid prayers to the nearest mosques in their vicinities. Eid-ul-Fitr is an Arabic word meaning “festival of breaking the fast”. The festival marks an end to the Muslims fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the holy Ramadan. On the Eid day morning, Muslims gather at mosques and prayer venues to perform Eid prayers and greet each other. The festival is usually celebrated by visiting friends and relatives, hosting food parties and sharing sweets. Children not only get new clothes and shoes, but also receive cash gifts called “Salami” from their elders, relatives and well-wishers. The occasion is seen as a time of forgiveness and of giving thanks to Allah for helping people complete their month-long spiritual fasting. Many Muslims distribute cash and food to the less fortunate ones. But, this year, the Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in a somber manner as the government has imposed a strict restriction on all social gatherings and urged the devotees to celebrate the Eid with only family members indoors instead of visiting relatives’ houses and outing around in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In line with the government directives, Dhaka north and south city corporations decided not to hold any Eid jamaat (congregation) on open spaces, including at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises, in the capital. Besides, the historic Eid jamaat at the Sholakia Maidan in Kishoreganj has also been cancelled this year amid the COVID-19 situation. However, five Eid jamaats were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque today like every year. President M Abdul Hamid along with his family members and some senior government officials offered Eid-ul-Fitr’s prayers at Darbar hall of Bangabhaban here at 10.30 am, President’s press secretary Joynal Abedin told BSS. A special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of Bangladesh and welfare of the people as well as the Muslim Ummah. A total of five Eid jamaats were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque today like every year. The first Eid jamaat was held at 7 am followed by other four congregations at the same venue to help the devotees perform Eid prayers maintaining the social distancing and health guidelines properly. The second, third, fourth and fifth Jamaats were held at 8 am, 9 am, 10 am and 10.45 am respectively while separate Imams of the national mosque conducted those. Following the eid-jamaat, special doa was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of those who died of fatal COVID-19 and also wishing for the early recovery of the Corona patients throughout the country as well as across the globe. Source: BSS AH

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of Muslims, will be celebrated in the country on Monday as the Shawwal moon was not sighted in Bangladesh sky on Saturday. Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday as Shawwal moon was not sighted at any place in the country’s 64 districts, said Md Nurul Islam, secretary to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee on Saturday evening after reviewing the information of Shawwal moon sighting. This year, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in a different scenario without any outdoor program and Eid Zamaats at Eid grounds across the country due to coronavirus pandemic. The government urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for Eid congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice. The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued an emergency notification on May 14 in this regard, saying the decision was taken due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. “Although the Islamic Sharia encourages offering Eid prayer at Eidgahs or open places, the devotees are now requested to offer their prayers at nearby mosques due to the coronavirus situation,” the notification said, adding that there can be several Eid zamaats, if necessary. It also suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and not rolling out carpets on the floors. The devotees have been urged to bring prayer mats from home. Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of the mosques for washing hands, the notification added. The devotees must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there. Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those who are involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid prayer. Apart from these, the devotees were requested to shun handshaking and hugging after the prayer which has been a common practice throughout the world. However, amid the risk of virus infection thousands of people have already left the capital to celebrate the very auspicious occasion with their near and dear ones at their respective village homes. Television channels and radio stations will telecast special programs on the occasion of Eid. Source: UNB AH

With due religious fervor, dignity and enjoyment holy Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated throughout the country including capital Dhaka. After realizing fasting for one month to get satisfaction of almighty Allah lakhs to crore people said their Eid prayers in Eidgah, mosques and open fields. News from our Correspondents: Dinajpur: The biggest Eid congregation was held at the historic Gor-e Shaheed Boro Maidan in Dinajpur. The organizers claimed that around six lakh devotees said their prayers in this big congregation of Eid. The Eid jamaat was held in this 23 acres ground at 8:30 am. Maulana Shamsul Alam Qashemi, Pesh Imam of Dinajpur General Hospital Jame Mosque led the prayer. Among the lakhs of devotees Justice of High Court division M Enayetur Rahim, Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Iqbalur Rahim MP took part in the big Eid jamaat. Devotees of Dinajpur and adjacent areas say their prayers here. Rangpur: Eid jamaat was held in Rangpur with strict security. The main jamaat was held at the Collectorate Eidgah ground at 8:30 am. Under supervision of Rangpur City Corporation the Eid jamaat was participated by thousands of Muslims where City Mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, Divisional Commissioner Joynul Bari, Deputy Commissioner Enamul Habib and other political party leaders were present. Special munajat  was offered after the prayer seeking well being of the country and nation. Bagerhat: Eid-ul-Fitr was observed with due religious fervor in Bagerhat. The main jamaat of this year’s Eid was held at the historic Shat Gambuz Mosque at 7:30 am. Bagerhat district administration officials and different leaders of political parties took part in the jamaat there. Two more jamaats were held in this mosque at 8:15 am and 9 am. Thousands of devotees took part in the jamaats. 46 other Eid jamaats were arranged under this municipality area. Barishal: In Barishal the main Eid jamaat was held at the Hemayet Uddin Eidgah with munajat seeking progress of the country and nation and peace for the Muslim ummah. Khatib of Jame Ebaydullah Mosque Maulana Nurur Rahman Beg led the prayer which was held at 8:30 am on Wednesday. Barishal City Corporation Mayor Serniabat Sadik Abdullah, Deputy Commissioner SM Azior Rahman and people from different professions including political leaders and social activists took part in the prayer. Chattogram: In Chattogram the main Eid jamaat was held at the Jamiyatul Falah National Eidgah in the city at 8 am. Deputy Minister for Education Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, former minister and BNP leader Zafrul Islam and other political leaders participated in the prayer. Special munajat was offered seeking well being of the country and nation. Moreover, Eid jamaats were arranged in 258 places in the city. Special security measures were taken centering each of the jamaats. Cumilla: The main jamaat of Cumilla was held at central Eidgah at 8:30 am on Wednesday. Kari Mohammad Ibrahim led the prayer. People from different classes and professions including Cumilla sadar MP Hazi AKM Bahauddin Bahar, Cumilla City Corporation Mayor Monirul Haque Sakku, Deputy Commissioner Md. Abul Fazal Mir, former administrator of Cumilla district council Alhaj Md. Omor Faruque were present in the prayer. Besides Eid jamaats were held in different Eidgah and mosques under 17 upazilas of the district. Faridpur: With due religious fervor the main Eid ul Fitr jamaat was held at Chandmari Central Eidgah in the district at 8 am on Wednesday. In this prime Eid jamaat Chairman of parliamentary standing committee on rural development and cooperatives and Member of Parliament of Faridpur sadar constituency Khandaher Mosharraf Hossain took part. Besides, Faridpur municipality Mayor Sheikh Mahtab Ali Methu, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Aslam among others were present. Gaibandha: The main Eid jamaat was held at Gaibandha central Eidgah in a peaceful manner. Deputy Commissioner, Municipality Mayor, officials of the administration and political leaders were present in the jamaat. Noakhali: The two main Eid jamaats were held at the District Eidgah and District Jame Mosque ground. Huge number of devotees including leaders of different political parties, Noakhali Police Super and Municipality Mayor were present in the prayers. Shariatpur: More than two hundred Eid jamaats were held in Shariatpur district with due religious fervor. The main jamaat was held at the Sahriatpur Central Eidgah at 8 am. Member of Parliament of Shariatpur-1 constituency Iqbal Hossain Apu, Municipality Mayor Rafiqul Islam Kotoal and officers-employees of government-private offices including political persons say their prayers. Special munajat was offered seeking peace for Muslim ummah after saying the prayer. AH          

The Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Muslims, is being celebrated across the country on Saturday amid due solemnity, fervor and gaiety as the holy Ramadan, the month of fasting and abstinence, came to an end. The very auspicious occasion began with the sighting of the Shawwal moon Friday evening and reached the climax this morning amid offering the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers by millions from all strata of life at mosques, Eidgahs and makeshift prayer venues in the capital and elsewhere across the country. During munajats after Eid congregations (jamaats), the Muslims also prayed for divine blessings to help strengthen national unity against all odds and destructive activities, including terrorism and militancy. Reports BSS. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the countrymen as well as the Muslims across the world on occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. The country’s main Eid jamaat (congregation) in the capital was held at the National Eidgah on Bangladesh Supreme Court premises at 8:30 in the morning. President Abdul Hamid offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers along with hundreds of people from all walks of life at the National Eidgah. Cabinet members, judges of the Supreme Court, members of parliament, senior political leaders and high civil and military officials also offered prayers at the main Eid congregation. Senior Pesh Imam of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram Hafez Maulna Muhammad Mizanur Rahman conducted the main Eid jamaat. The biggest Eid congregation of the country on Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in Kishoreganj was scheduled for 10 am this morning. Bangladesh Railway is operating Solakia special trains on Bhoirab-Kishoreganj-Bhoirab and Mymensingh-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh routes on the day for carrying passengers to and from the Sholakia Eidgah Maidan. In Dhaka, five Eid congregations were arranged at the Baitul Muqarram National Mosque at 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and 10:45am. A total of 409 Eid congregations were held in the capital under the two city corporations. Of those, 230 Eid congregations were held under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and the rest 179 Eid congregations under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). Law enforcement agencies, including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police took tight security measures to ensure security in and around the main Eid congregation. Divisional, district and upazila administrations and local government bodies took preparations in their respective areas to observe the Eid-ul-Fitr. City corporations have kept open the children parks, allowing free entry of all visitors on the occasion of Eid. Eid-ul-Fitr is also being observed in Bangladesh missions abroad too in a befitting manner. The government has chalked out elaborate programs to celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Fitr with due respect and religious fervor. The national flag has been hoisted at government, autonomous and non-government offices and other important establishments on the occasion. Important traffic islands and light posts in Dhaka city have also been decorated with miniature national flags and flags inscribed with “Eid Mubarak”. Besides, designated government offices and other establishments have been illuminated. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels have arranged special programs while newspapers already published supplements on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Improved diets are being served to hospitals, jails and orphanages. The government already declared a three-day public holiday that began on Friday. AH